Mr. Steber receives recognition on stage for becoming the 2024 Illinois Golden Owl Award at the 2024 state convention. The 2023-24 Illinois State Treasurer Benjamin Bremmer and 2023-24 Illinois State President Thaddeus Bergschneider present this award to Steber.
“I’m not anti that,” Mr. Mark Steber said from his classroom, where the bulletin board that held all the upcoming FFA events sat. After 34 years of teaching and one Illinois State Golden Owl Award, it was time for him to retire.
Mr. Steber embodies the meaning of an FFA advisor by imparting true knowledge and wisdom to every youth he has encountered, and he is the definition of leaving something better than you found it.
For this ode to one of the best in the business, former students have come together to share their praises and thanks for Mr. Steber. Without further ado, these are the thank you letters to Mr. Steber.
The First Round of Thanks
“Mr. Steber, from the moment I stepped into your classroom, your passion for teaching made every lesson unforgettable. Your enthusiasm always seemed to turn learning into an adventure, inspiring students to exceed their own expectations. I am an agriculture teacher today because of you. As you retire, know your legacy thrives in countless lives. Thank you for being my teacher and a cherished friend.”
— Marissa FFA Chapter Advisor Mrs. Kimberly Portz
“Not only did Mr. Steber impact my life, but he also helped both of my children develop leadership skills that will last a lifetime. I’m so grateful I was Mr. Steber’s student during his first year at Olney, and now he’s finishing his career with my daughter in his classroom. I recognize he showed me how to be an impactful, caring and dedicated teacher when I was in his classroom and participating in FFA events.”
— RCMS Math Teacher Shelly Mann
The Second Round of Thanks
“While I believe the ability to lead can be innate, more often it needs to be cultivated. Mr. Steber is the kind of leader who nurtures that potential in his students. He helped cultivate mine. That influence helped shape the path that led me to serve as a leader in my community.”
— Mayor of Olney Mark Lambird
“Not every student who comes through the doors of the Richland County High School Agriculture Department is destined to work in the agriculture industry, but Steber believes that they all can be leaders. Steber’s tireless efforts have provided opportunities to thousands of students. As one of those students, I can only say ‘thank you’ for being the inspiration to guide me on my educational path.”
— Richland County High School Assistant Principal and past Olney FFA Chapter Advisor Mr. Rylan Rusk
Mr. Rylan Rusk (left) and Mr. Mark Steber (right) share a laugh in Indianapolis, Ind., during the 91st National FFA Convention & Expo in 2018.
The Last Round of Thanks
“Mr. Steber has been a leader, mentor, and advocate in many different stages of my life. His dedication and generosity are most admirable! I’m thankful for all the lessons and knowledge he has given me!”
— RCFB Manager Allison Kocher
“Thank you, Mr. Steber, for the incredible effort you’ve poured into developing your students. Your work ethic is unmatched — always willing to be the first to show up, the last to leave and the first to ask how you can help. You are the definition of humble — constantly lifting others up, never seeking praise for yourself. Every instruction you gave, every reflective question you asked, every unexpected 20-minute conversation — it all had a purpose. I’m forever grateful to have been one of your students.”
— 2024-25 Illinois FFA State President Trenton Payne
“Mr. Steber, your hard work, dedication and belief in me has shaped not only my FFA journey, but also the person I’ve become. You’ve been more than an advisor — you’ve been a mentor, a role model and someone who saw potential in me, even when I didn’t see it in myself. For that, I’ll always be grateful.”
— Olney FFA Chapter Officer Selena Fuentes
Mr. Mark Steber is pictured with the current RCHS students whose parents were also in class with him throughout his 34-year career.
Making a Lasting Impact
These quotes are just a fraction of Steber’s impact on his students. Through his constant encouragement, the standard of excellence is set for the Olney FFA Chapter. Due to his efforts, it will continue to thrive for generations.
So, after countless instances of “That’s on you, bro,” it’s time to take that framed blue jacket off the wall for good this time. From the bottom of all of the 4,700 students: Thank you, Mr. Steber!
